The world of soccer is currently in turmoil as players are considering going on strike due to the overloaded playing calendar imposed by FIFA. The chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Maheta Molango, has been vocal about the detrimental effects of the packed schedule on players’ health and the quality of the sport.
Just days before the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the PFA gathered to discuss potential measures to counteract FIFA’s plans to increase the number of matches players will have to endure in the upcoming season due to the new Club World Cup.
Molango believes that players have reached a breaking point and are willing to take drastic measures to address the issue. He recently shared a story of visiting a dressing room where some players expressed their readiness to go on strike while others lamented the lack of time to enjoy their earnings due to the demanding schedule.
Players and managers alike have been vocal about the excessive demands placed on them with the expansion of tournaments and the introduction of new competitions. Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have also joined the chorus of voices expressing concerns about the overcrowded calendar and the toll it takes on players.
Global players’ union FIFPRO, along with the PFA and the World Leagues Association (WLA), have threatened legal action against FIFA if changes are not made to alleviate the strain on players. A letter addressed to FIFA’s president and general secretary outlined their concerns regarding the new Club World Cup and urged for reconsideration of the decision.
In response to the threats of legal action, FIFA denied allegations of unilateral decisions favoring their competitions and dismissed the possibility of rescheduling the tournament. Molango pointed out that changes in the domestic calendar in England have been influenced by FIFA and UEFA decisions, further solidifying the need for action to be taken.
While diplomatic avenues are being explored, time is running out for a resolution to be reached. Letters have been exchanged between the concerned parties, but the urgency of the situation calls for immediate action to address the grievances raised by players, unions, and associations.
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